Why we are Organic Farmers!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Welcome to our Summer of 2011. Yesterday I picked the Black Currants and made some delicious Black Currant Jelly.

Blackcurrant Nutrition

...the nutritional value of blackcurrants and full blackcurrant nutrition information...

Fancy a high dose of vitamin C? You cannot go wrong with the blackcurrant as this particular fruit contains more than three times the amount of vitamin C as oranges.

Blackcurrants have an extremely high content of vitamin C (302% of the Daily Value per 100g) and also good levels of iron, vitamin B5, potassium and phosphorus.

Blackcurrants contain anthocyanins (a powerful antioxidant), which are compounds naturally found in berries. These are very potent antioxidants which are responsible for the colour of blackcurrants. The darker the blackcurrant, the more anthocyanins it contains and the better it is for you.

Anthocyanins are also associated with anti ageing benefits.

Blackcurrants contain a good amount of potassium which help the muscles and nerves to function and also maintains the bodies' acid balance. Potassium can also help lower the risk of high blood pressure.

Blackcurrants also contain good amounts of phosphorus which plays a part in bone and teeth formation. Phosphorus works with calcium for maximum effect in this area.

The blackberry fruit as well as the leaves, work as an anti-inflammatory, which is very helpful for rheumatism, arthritis and gout. Their nutritional values also stimulate digestion and the function of the liver, pancreas, spleen and kidneys and have diuretic qualities.

Alpaca Fibre Projects

My intentions for sewing the Vests is that viewers can get their own ideas for what to create with alpaca fibre. Our four alpacas will be being sheared again this month and more fibre will be available. Let me know if you are interested in any for your next project!